The Colonnades
After our Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park visit, we again boarded our coach for the 76.1 km (1-hour) drive, via S Gippsland Highway/M420 and M420, to the 900 m. long The Colonnades (also called Ocean Reach Beach), the western extension of Woolamai Surf Beach. Rock reefs in the surf form the boundary between the two beaches.
Check out “Phillip Island – Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park“
Facing southwest, it is bordered, in the west, by the red basalt cliffs of Forrest Caves. From the parking lot, it was a short walk down to the beach via a beach access boardwalk and stairs. Visible along the beach are columnar basalt, unusual rock formation resembling organ pipes on the tall cliffs that gives The Colonnades its name.
Viewing deck overlooking the beach
Jandy, Bryan and Cheska at the beach access stairs
Each column, typical of the joints that form in a flow of basalt after it has solidified and as it cools, represents the depth of one lava flow. The column’s length is indicative of the thickness of the lava flow and the contraction of the solid rock produces cracks to form polygons.
Basalt columns along the tall cliffs
At the Colonnades, the basalt has been extensively altered (likely occurring soon after the basalt solidified and may have been caused by hydrothermal chemical processes), is crumbly and soft and has a soft and pale texture, showing onion skin weathering in places. Nevertheless, although the face of the cliff is regularly falling onto the beach and being washed away, it still retains the original columnar texture.
The author at the beach
The exposed, high energy beach, used by surfers and fishers, isn’t suitable for safe bathing. If bathing here, don’t expect a few gentle waves. Use extreme care, stay close inshore and on the bar, and clear of the rips, rocks and reefs.
A surfer taking to the waves
The reefs and high waves ensure potentially good left and right breaks along this section. Waves here average 1.5 m., with strong rips dominating the wide surf zone, with permanent rips against the reefs. The permanent rip holes, against the rocks and reefs, can be fished from the beach.
A lone surfer challenging the waves
A hidden gem tucked away out of sight but very accessible, The Colonnades is good to visit any time (but best at low tide) and is truly nature at its best. The cliffs and the beach were amazing for photography.
My family exploring the beach
The Colonnades: 85 Veterans Dr, Newhaven, Phillip Island, Victoria 3925, Australia.
How to Get There: From Phillip Island Rd., at the township of Cape Woolamai, turn into Woolamai Beach Rd and then into Lantana Rd to the right (west) which heads south-west to The Colonnades. There is plenty of parking at the end of the road. The beach is accessible in the east by the road beside the airfield, and in the west via Forrest Caves.